Alcohol Awareness Week 2026

8 July 2026

This year’s Alcohol Awareness Week is from 6-12 July and focuses on the theme “Alcohol and Me”, encouraging us to reflect on our own relationship with alcohol.

Whether it’s part of celebrating special occasions, relaxing after a busy day or catching up with friends and family, alcohol can play different roles in our lives.  The campaign encourages us to understand our own habits, recognise how alcohol affects our physical and mental wellbeing, and make informed choices that work for us. Even small changes can make a positive difference.

As employers, we have an important role to play in promoting employee wellbeing.  Alcohol can affect attendance, performance, safety and mental health. Employers should therefore have clear policies in place and ensure managers are confident in recognising when an employee may need support.  Members can find further guidance and access our model Alcohol and Substance Misuse Policy on our website. It is also important that staff are aware of the support available to them including employee counselling and external support services. Early conversations and intervention can make a real difference. More information about employee counselling services through Rowan Consultancy can be found in the Employee Counselling section of our website.

Alcohol Change UK provide a Check your Drinking quiz, which helps individuals understand their drinking patterns, reflect on their alcohol consumption and access further support if needed.  The quiz is confidential and is a useful resource that employers can share with staff as part of their wellbeing initiatives.

Alcohol Awareness Week provides an ideal opportunity for employers to review their workplace wellbeing arrangements, promote available support and remind employees that seeking help is encouraged.

Further information about Alcohol Awareness Week and other support resources can be found here.